Our Youth Board

Our Youth Advisory Board is a dedicated group of young leaders aged 16–30 who play a vital role in helping us deliver our mission. They ensure that we remain authentically youth-led and youth-informed at every level. These inspiring changemakers help shape strategy, co-design programmes, hold us accountable and proudly represent Social Ark at events.

We don’t just value their voices, we centre them in everything we do and every decision we make.

Jessica Okwuono

Jessica is an award-winning social entrepreneur, Social Ark alumna, and the founder of The Digital Growth Hub CIC. She is passionate about change, growth, and creating lasting community impact. Dedicated to bridging the digital divide, Jessica promotes digital literacy and intergenerational learning, ensuring that people of all ages have the tools and access they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. As a strong advocate for youth voice and representation, she empowers young people to speak up on the issues that matter most to their communities. Jessica believes in inclusion, equity, and building meaningful opportunities that lead to real, sustainable change.

Dr Nisha Waller

Dr Nisha Waller is an academic researcher and Racial Justice Lead at APPEAL, a legal charity dedicated to fighting wrongful convictions and advocating for change in the criminal legal system. She recently completed her doctorate at the University of Oxford, which explored the experiences of young Black men and teenagers convicted of murder under a contentious legal principle known as joint enterprise. Her current work at APPEAL similarly explores the intersection between race and the criminal legal system in England and Wales, aimed at informing justice campaigns and strategies for change. Nisha also holds an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford and a BA in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Westminster.

Kowiyat aka Mayo

Kowiyat “Mayo” Ajimobi is an award-winning social entrepreneur, Clarity Coach, and the founder of The Lady Powerhouse CIC, a social enterprise that empowers female founders to build businesses and lives they’re proud of. Mayo is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where women can connect, thrive, and grow. Through community events, coaching, and mentoring, she champions collaboration and celebrates women’s achievements. As an accredited facilitator, she’s skilled in bringing people together, encouraging bold ideas, and helping others unlock their full potential. At Social Ark, Mayo brings a wealth of experience in empowerment and enterprise, committed to inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Cherome Nathaniel

My name is Cherome, I’m 20 years old, and I’ve been proudly working with Social Ark for over three years. I currently manage Social Ark’s TikTok page, where I use creative storytelling to engage and inspire our online community. Being part of the Youth Board gives me the chance to collaborate with other young changemakers, share ideas, and shape projects that create real impact. I’m passionate about using digital platforms to spark conversation and drive positive change. My goal is to help build stronger, more connected communities where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead.

Tasniya Syeda

My name is Tasniya and I’m a criminology student with a strong passion for social justice and community empowerment. I have a charitable mindset and am committed to creating meaningful change, especially for those facing systemic barriers in society. Through Social Ark, I aim to uplift underrepresented communities by creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. My studies in criminology give me a deep understanding of social inequalities, which I use to drive positive change. I’ve taken part in many fundraising efforts, from door-to-door campaigns to fundraising live on TV. I was also part of Social Ark’s “HereComes the Girls” programme while in secondary school, which sparked my journey into changemaking

Jovan Owusu-Nepal

Jovan Owusu-Nepaul is a passionate political campaigner who envisions a society free from poverty, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Committed to justice and equality, Jovan has stood for Parliament, driven by a desire to make politics more inclusive and accessible. He believes that those who are often socially excluded must be actively involved in democratic processes, with their voices genuinely heard in decision-making spaces. Through his campaigning and community work, Jovan advocates for systemic change and champions the power of youth leadership. As a member of Social Ark’s Youth Board, he brings a strong political lens and deep commitment to fairness, representation, and social progress.

Javel Watt

Javel is an innovative, out-of-the-box thinker who uses his knowledge of AI to develop creative solutions and offer support across a range of sectors. His lived experience, combined with his young age, gives him a unique and forward-thinking perspective. Javel is the Co-founder of a CIC called Nexus Progress, and the Founder and Director of a company called Beyond the Narrative, both focused on creating meaningful social impact. He’s passionate about tackling complex challenges and is driven to create lasting change in his community. Through Social Ark, Javel hopes to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring others to think differently, act boldly, and lead with purpose.

Ramone Campbell

I’m Ramone, born and raised in East London. I’m passionate about youth work and supporting the next generation to reach their full potential. I want to make sure young people from all backgrounds have real opportunities to grow into confident, empowered individuals. I care deeply about building stronger communities and creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. I’m especially driven to provide platforms where young people can express themselves through creativity and art. Being part of Social Ark means I get to give back, while also helping to shape a future where no young person is left behind.

Aaliyah Glasgow

I’m Aaliyah, a passionate mentor, coach, and facilitator with over 10 years of experience supporting young people in leadership, youth engagement, and career development. I’m the Co-Founder of Dipped In Creativity Engagement (DICE), a youth-led social enterprise focused on creating safe spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired. I use my lived experience to connect authentically with others, advocate for mental health, and help young people realise their full potential. I’m committed to breaking down barriers and championing underrepresented voices. At Social Ark, I bring a deep belief in youth-led change and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Jason Barnfather

My name is Jason Barnfather, but most people know me as Jay. I have lived experience within both the care and justice systems, which helps me deeply understand the challenges young people face today. I’m on a lifelong journey of self-development and believe in supporting others to unlock their potential. My mission is to help break the cycle I came from and drive positive change within our communities. I regularly facilitate training sessions and design bespoke workshops for charities, businesses, and youth organisations. Through my work with Social Ark, I aim to uplift voices often overlooked and create spaces where transformation and real growth can happen.

Daniella Adjemon

My name is Daniella Adjemon, and I’m the founder of Connecting Minds, a social enterprise that uses AI and digital marketing to creatively support young people with lived experience of the care or youth justice system into education, employment, or training. I’m passionate about giving the voiceless a voice, whether that’s delivering workshops or speaking at 10 Downing Street. I’ve served on the Youth Advisory Board for the Youth Endowment Fund and worked with the Criminal Justice Alliance on violence reduction strategies across the UK. Through Social Ark, I aim to continue advocating for underrepresented communities and supporting charities and CICs to offer meaningful opportunities and services that truly make an impact.

Jonathan Mambu

Johnathan, from Peckham in South London, made a life-changing decision to transform his path after a difficult upbringing. While at university, he followed his passion for music and earned a degree in Broadcasting. Over time, he became a life coach for creative individuals, focusing on mentoring young people from communities affected by gang violence. He’s volunteered with several organisations and is passionate about using his story to inspire positive change. With experience in both music and coaching, Johnathan is committed to advocating for marginalised communities and improving justice outcomes. Now a Caseworker at Spark2Life, he brings authenticity and lived experience to his role at Social Ark.